Bolthole Index

Morrison County, Minnesota

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Morrison County, Minnesota

70Index Score / 100
#20 of 87 in Minnesota

Unincorporated Morrison County, Minnesota requires a county land-use permit for structures such as homes, decks, sheds and barns12. Morrison County Land Services administers zoning outside city limits; incorporated municipalities may have separate building-permit and zoning rules34. New septic systems in the county-administered area need a design, an installation permit and an installation-day inspection; confirm the septic authority for the address with Land Services5678.

At a glance

Building permit
A county land-use permit is required for structures in unincorporated Morrison County1
Zoning
County land-use controls apply throughout unincorporated Morrison County3
Septic permit
A design and installation permit are required before a new system is installed5
Permit timing
County applications can take 2 to 3 weeks for approval9
Owner-builder
A qualifying owner-builder can be exempt from contractor licensing, not from permits or inspections10
Occupied RV
A county permit is required when an RV stays more than 10 days in a year and is occupied onsite11
Manufactured home
Manufactured homes need at least 320 square feet; qualifying park models are exempt from that minimum1213
Shoreland setbacks
Structure setbacks vary by lake or river classification14

Who to call

Building permits

Morrison County Land Services - Permits

Land-use permits for structures, septic systems and new addresses in unincorporated Morrison County

320-632-0170

213 - 1st Avenue SE, Little Falls, MN 56345

Online permits →

Zoning

Morrison County Land Services - Planning and Zoning

County land-use controls, including building permits, floodplain, septic, shoreland and subdivisions in unincorporated areas

320-632-0170

213 First Ave SE, Little Falls, MN 56345

Septic permits

Morrison County Land Services - Septic Systems

Septic design review, installation permits, inspections and compliance records

320-632-2941

213 - 1st Avenue SE, Little Falls, MN 56345

Roads & driveways

Morrison County Public Works

County highway questions and county-road access permits

320-632-0121

1208 West River Road, Little Falls, MN 56345

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 12, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Morrison County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

Do you need a building permit in Morrison County, Minnesota?

Yes. Unincorporated Morrison County requires a land-use permit to construct a structure, including a building, deck, storage shed, barn, shoreline stairway or shoreline patio; nonstructural maintenance such as siding, windows and shingles does not require that county permit1. Septic installation and new addresses also require county approval2.

The Minnesota State Building Code is the minimum construction standard statewide, but municipal enforcement depends on adoption by local ordinance; we could not confirm Morrison County’s or each municipality’s adoption status1516. Ask Morrison County Land Services whether the parcel needs a separate code building permit and which official conducts inspections17. An onsite compliance inspection is required whenever a State Building Code building permit is issued18. Qualifying agricultural buildings on agricultural land are exempt from State Building Code building-permit requirements, but that does not exempt a barn from Morrison County land-use approval191.

Who issues building permits in Morrison County, and how do you reach them?

Morrison County Land Services is the first stop for an unincorporated parcel: it issues the county land-use permit for structures and administers county zoning, floodplain, shoreland, septic and subdivision controls120. Call the permit desk at 320-632-0170 or visit 213 First Ave SE in Little Falls1720. Inside an incorporated city, ask the city which office issues building permits and administers zoning; septic regulation does not automatically move with those functions because Minnesota septic rules may be implemented by a county, city or township47. Morrison County Land Services can confirm who handles the septic permit for a particular address8.

County land-use permit applications may be mailed, dropped off, submitted in person or filed online; payment is due with the application, online payment adds processing fees, and approval can take 2 to 3 weeks219. A dwelling or manufactured-home land-use permit costs $0.30 per square foot with a $100 minimum, while the septic installation permit fee is $250 including holding tanks22.

Does Morrison County have zoning?

Morrison County administers zoning and land-use controls in unincorporated areas, with published districts and district-specific standards2324. The parcel's district matters: the Rural Residential district requires at least 2.5 acres and 200 feet of lot width, while other districts may differ25. Maximum lot coverage and impervious surface are 15% in the Agriculture district and 25% in the Urban Fringe district; both districts generally cap building height at 35 feet, with nonresidential agricultural structures exempt from those height limits262728.

Shoreland setbacks depend on the water classification. Listed lake setbacks range from 75 to 200 feet, and listed river setbacks range from 100 to 150 feet1429. Inside an incorporated city, ask the city zoning office which district and dimensional rules apply; Morrison County's countywide land-use controls are expressly limited to unincorporated areas3.

How do septic permits work in Morrison County?

In unincorporated Morrison County’s county-administered area, a new septic system starts with an MPCA-licensed designer visiting the property and determining an appropriate system30. Submit the design, then obtain the septic installation permit before work begins; the permit costs $250 including holding tanks under the schedule effective in 2026531. A Morrison County certified employee inspects the system on installation day and sends a Certificate of Compliance after approval6.

A current Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Installation is required before applying to build or expand a dwelling, construct a commercial building or addition, or obtain a structure permit on shoreland property6. Compliance certificates are valid for 3 years from inspection; installation certificates are valid for 5 years from installation6. Only 1.3% of Morrison County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so establish septic feasibility before committing to a homesite32. Confirm the septic authority with Land Services for a city or township address because Minnesota septic rules can be implemented by counties, cities or townships78.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Morrison County?

An occupied RV in unincorporated Morrison County needs a county permit when it remains on a parcel for more than 10 days in a year11. The RV is treated as a structure and must meet district setbacks; a qualifying vacant lot may have up to 2 RVs, while the ordinance chart allows no occupied RVs on a lot with a dwelling11. RV occupancy must follow county sewage-management and solid-waste rules, while simple storage by a homeowner is excluded33.

A county-defined park model may serve as a dwelling in unincorporated Morrison County, subject to lot-size, setback, water-supply and sewage-treatment rules13. Qualifying park models are exempt from the manufactured-home floor-area minimum and conventional-roof requirement13. We could not confirm a universal minimum size for other Morrison County dwellings; ask Land Services about the proposed tiny home’s classification and approvals120. A manufactured home must contain at least 320 square feet, have a conventional roof and roof line, meet water-supply, sewage-treatment and dwelling standards, and comply with enclosure and anchoring rules if it lacks a permanent foundation3412. A manufactured-home accessory dwelling can be allowed as a care facility under specific medical, family-care, utility and removal conditions in the Agriculture, Urban Fringe or Rural Residential district35.

Building a home in Morrison County: what are the steps?

  1. Confirm the parcel’s zoning authority and district; Morrison County land-use controls apply in unincorporated areas23.
  2. Ask Land Services to confirm lot size, setbacks, coverage, height, shoreland and floodplain constraints24262820.
  3. Identify the septic authority and hire an MPCA-licensed designer for a county-administered installation730.
  4. Submit the septic design, obtain the installation permit, and arrange the county inspection for installation day56.
  5. Obtain a current septic compliance or installation certificate before applying for the dwelling land-use permit; submit payment and allow 2 to 3 weeks for county approval69.
  6. Ask Land Services whether local code enforcement requires a separate building permit, inspections and a certificate of occupancy163617.
  7. Resolve road-access approval with the road authority before constructing an additional public-highway connection37.

What should you check before buying land in Morrison County?

Confirm the zoning authority, district, dimensional standards, shoreland classification and any floodplain overlay before closing33820. Minnesota requires a floodplain permit for a house, fill, culvert or bridge in regulated floodplain areas, and Morrison County can reject a subdivision when flooding, drainage, soils, water supply or sewage disposal makes land unsuitable3940. Confirm legal access with the road authority because an additional connection to a public highway is permit-controlled37.

Septic feasibility is a major budget question because only 1.3% of Morrison County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field32. Minnesota generally requires notification and a filing fee before water-supply well construction; special rules apply to owner-built drive-point wells, and local authority depends on state delegation41. Before recording a parcel split, obtain a Certificate of Review from Land Services; creating 4 or more total tax parcels generally requires a statutory plat, subject to the stated land-survey exception4243. For carrying costs, the typical home value is about $318,046, the effective property-tax rate is about 0.9%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $2,154444546.

Watch-outs

  • Morrison County’s land-use permit does not establish local adoption or enforcement of the State Building Code; ask Land Services which code approvals apply to the parcel11617.
  • An occupied RV needs a county permit if sited more than 10 days in a year; the chart allows no occupied RVs on a lot with a dwelling, but homeowner RV storage is excluded and shoreland has separate provisions11.
  • Shoreland structure setbacks range from 75 to 200 feet for listed lakes and from 100 to 150 feet for listed rivers, depending on classification14.
  • Effective May 1, 2026, businesses doing excavation or landscaping in Morrison County’s shoreland district must be county-licensed; county permits must name a licensed contractor unless the owner performs the work personally47.

Sources

  1. Permits, quoted and re-checked
  2. Permits | Morrison County, MN, quoted and re-checked
  3. Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  4. Permits, quoted and re-checked
  5. Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  6. Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  7. Septic Systems | Morrison County, MN, quoted and re-checked
  8. Morrison County Land Services - Septic Systems (morrisoncountymn.gov)
  9. Permits, quoted and re-checked
  10. revisor.mn.gov (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Morrison County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  12. Morrison County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  13. Land Use Control Ordinance, Sec. 12-3 - Park Models and Recreational Vehicles, quoted and re-checked
  14. Shoreland, quoted and re-checked
  15. Overview of the Minnesota State Building Code, quoted and re-checked
  16. 2020 Minnesota State Building Codes, quoted and re-checked
  17. Morrison County Land Services - Permits (morrisoncountymn.gov)
  18. Minnesota State Building Code Adoption Guide, quoted and re-checked
  19. Minnesota State Building Code Adoption Guide, quoted and re-checked
  20. Morrison County Land Services - Planning and Zoning (morrisoncountymn.gov)
  21. Permits, quoted and re-checked
  22. Morrison County Permit Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  23. Morrison County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  24. Morrison County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  25. Morrison County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  26. Morrison County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  27. Morrison County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  28. Morrison County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  29. 2025 Morrison County Shoreland District Guidance, quoted and re-checked
  30. Septic Systems | Morrison County, MN, quoted and re-checked
  31. Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  32. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  33. Morrison County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  34. Morrison County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  35. Morrison County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  36. 1300.0220 CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY, quoted and re-checked
  37. Minnesota Statutes, section 160.18: Access to roads; approaches (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  38. Permits | Morrison County, MN, quoted and re-checked
  39. Floodplain Regulations (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  40. morrisoncountymn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  41. 2025 Minnesota Statutes, section 103I.205: Well Construction (Minnesota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  42. morrisoncountymn.gov, quoted and re-checked
  43. Morrison County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  44. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  45. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  46. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  47. Shoreland, quoted and re-checked

Written October 12, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

Compared with neighboring counties

Like 5 of its 6 neighbors, Morrison County has countywide zoning.

RuleMorrison CountyCrow Wing CountyBenton CountyMille Lacs CountyTodd CountyStearns CountyKanabec County
Building permitRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimited
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesNo
Septic permitsCounty Land ServicesCounty Land ServicesCounty Dept. of DevelopmentCounty Env. ResourcesCounty Planning & ZoningCounty Env. ServicesCounty Env. Services

County locator

Morrison County in Minnesota

70
County map
Morrison County highlighted among the Minnesota counties · colored by Index score

How Morrison County scores

Seclusion72100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency61100% ev.
Admin Boringness43100% ev.
Durability50100% ev.
Property Autonomy65100% ev.
Carry Cost71100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$318kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$3,889Land / acre
29.1"Annual rain
7.3% of yrsSevere drought
1.6 / yr (+1.6)Mid-century 100°F days
16.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.65" (+9.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.83×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,739Home insurance / yr
3.5% / yrInsurance growth
0.42%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
4,859People within 30 min
1,587,721People within 2 hr
25,809Radius comparison (15 mi)
30.4People / sq mi
7.8%Federal land
96.3%Land at 15% slope or less
1.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
8,288 acWorkable land screen
33.9%Wooded land
43.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
42.3°FAvg temp

Scout Morrison County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →Already own land here?Earn money hosting campers — get $100 when you become a Hipcamp host →

Some links are affiliate or referral links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Search live inventory elsewhere, then cost and vet each candidate here. No copied listings, account, or paid data feed.

View your full hunt →
ZillowLand & lotsRealtor.comLand listingsLandSearchRural & vacant land

Each button opens a current land search for Morrison County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.

Working estimate

—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—

A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.

Cities and towns in Morrison County

Inside a city, town or township here, that government usually sets zoning and may issue its own building permits; the county’s rules above cover land outside them.

Not yet researched: Agram Township · Belle Prairie Township · Bellevue Township · Bowlus · Buckman · Buckman Township · Buh Township · Culdrum Township · Cushing Township · Darling Township · Elmdale · Elmdale Township · Flensburg · Genola · Granite Township · Green Prairie Township · Harding · Hillman · Hillman Township · Lakin Township · Lastrup · Leigh Township · Little Falls Township · Morrill Township · Motley · Motley Township · Mount Morris Township · Parker Township · Pierz · Pierz Township · Pike Creek Township · Platte Township · Pulaski Township · Randall · Richardson Township · Ripley Township · Rosing Township · Royalton · Scandia Valley Township · Sobieski · Swan River Township · Swanville · Swanville Township · Two Rivers Township · Upsala

Answers from the rulebook for Morrison County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Morrison County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction of structures in unincorporated Morrison County, including buildings, decks, storage sheds, barns, shoreline stairways and patios.

    • The county describes the authorization as a land-use permit in place of a building permit.
    • Payment must be submitted with the application.
    • Applications can take 2 to 3 weeks to be approved.
    • Nonstructural maintenance such as new siding, windows and shingles is identified in the county FAQ as not requiring a permit.
    “A permit is required for the construction of any structure (buildings, decks, storage sheds, barns, stairways and patios in shoreline), septic systems and new addresses.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction of structures and septic systems administered through Morrison County Land Services.
      “A permit is required for the construction of any structure (buildings, decks, storage sheds, barns, stairways and patios in shoreline), septic systems and new addresses.”
    • Required — Construction of structures in unincorporated Morrison County
      “A permit is required for the construction of any structure (buildings, decks, storage sheds, barns, stairways and patios in shoreline), septic systems and new addresses.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Excavating, landscaping and related permitted work in Morrison County's shoreland zoning district.

    • Effective May 1, 2026, anyone in the business of excavating or landscaping within the shoreland zoning district must be county-licensed.
    • The permit must identify a licensed contractor unless the property owner is conducting the work themselves.
    • The licensing requirement includes training, an application fee and a $25,000 performance bond.

    performance bond: 25000 USD (in favor of Morrison County)

    “Permits issued by the county must identify a licensed contractor before issuance unless the property owner is conducting the work themselves”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County land-use controls administered by Morrison County Planning and Zoning in unincorporated Morrison County.

    • The source expressly limits the countywide land-use controls to unincorporated areas.
    • Controls include building permits, floodplain, on-site septic systems, shoreland, subdivisions and parcel splits.
    “The Planning and Zoning division administers county wide land use controls that guide property development and use within the unincorporated areas of the county.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Land use and zoning regulation in Morrison County's unincorporated areas.
      “604.1 Purpose. The purpose of this district is to promote and protect areas which have high quality agricultural lands and are essentially rural in nature. Within this district agricultural activities shall be given precedence preference over other land uses.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Morrison County zoning districts and their use and dimensional standards.

    • The reviewed ordinance publishes district sections including Agriculture, Urban Fringe, and Rural Residential.
    • District-specific standards include permitted, conditional, interim, and performance-standard uses.
    “604.1 Purpose. The purpose of this district is to promote and protect areas which have high quality agricultural lands and are essentially rural in nature. Within this district agricultural activities shall be given precedence preference over other land uses.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — County zoning districts and related standards in unincorporated Morrison County.
      “Permit documents needed for completing a permit: Land Use Permit Application (PDF) Fee Schedule (PDF) Setback Requirements (PDF) Other forms and applications: [...] Conditional Use Permit, Interim Use Permit, Rezone, Platted Subdivision - visit Board of Adjustment/Planning Commission page”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Manufactured homes placed in Morrison County.

    • The 320-square-foot minimum is stated for manufactured homes, not established here as a universal minimum for all dwelling types.

    minimum manufactured-home floor area: >= 320 square feet

    “The home must have at least 320 square feet of inside floor area;”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    RR Rural Residential District in unincorporated Morrison County

    • The cited district also specifies a minimum lot width of 200 feet.

    minimum lot area: >= 2.5 acres · minimum lot width: >= 200 feet

    “Lot Area Two and one half (2.5) acres Lot Width Minimum Two Hundred (200’) Feet”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Principal structure setbacks from the ordinary high-water level on riparian lots in Morrison County shoreland districts, classified by lake or river type.

    • Morrison County administers the shoreland standards through its adopted shoreland ordinance.
    • The shoreland rules apply to property within 1,000 feet of a protected lake and 300 feet of a protected river.
    • Lake and river classifications determine the applicable setback.
    • Permits are required for construction, grading, filling, and other shoreline projects.
    • The guidance document is a summary rather than a complete copy of the ordinance and states that it may be updated; the ordinance controls if inconsistent.
    • For the listed lake classifications, structure setbacks are 200 feet for Natural Environment lakes, 100 feet for Recreational Development lakes, 75 feet for General Development lakes, and 75 feet for General Development duplex lots.
    • For the listed river classifications, structure setbacks are 150 feet for Forested rivers, 150 feet for Transition rivers, 100 feet for Agricultural rivers, 100 feet for Urban rivers, 100 feet for Tributary rivers, and 150 feet for the Mississippi River.
    • Accessory structures have additional size, height, and setback conditions: ordinarily no more than 18 feet high, 12-foot side walls, and 1,300 square feet; larger dimensions are allowed only at specified multiples of the structural setback.
    • Boathouses, gazebos, decks, fish cleaning sheds, and similar structures are prohibited within the lake setback unless they are legal nonconforming structures; such structures may be repaired or replaced only in the exact same place, size, and height, with no change in use.

    Natural Environment lake structure setback: 200 feet · Recreational Development lake structure setback: 100 feet · General Development lake structure setback: 75 feet · General Development duplex lot structure setback: 75 feet · Forested river structure setback: 150 feet · Transition river structure setback: 150 feet · Agricultural river structure setback: 100 feet · Urban river structure setback: 100 feet · Tributary river structure setback: 100 feet · Mississippi River structure setback: 150 feet

    “Lake Classification Natural Environment Single Recreational Development Single General Development Single General Development - Duplex Lot Width (ft.) 200 175 120 180 Lot Area (sq. ft.) 80,000 50,000 30,000 50,000 Structure Setback (ft.) 200 100 75 75 [...] River Classification Forested Transition Agricultural Urban, Tributary Mississippi River Lot Width (ft.) 200 250 150 120 330 Lot Area (sq. ft.) 80,000 80,000 40.000 30,000 5 acres Structure Setback (ft.) 150 150 100 100 150”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Riparian shoreland lots on Morrison County rivers classified Forested, Transition, Agricultural, Urban/Tributary, or Mississippi River.
      “150 150 100 100 150 [...] 100 100 65 65 100”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Agriculture and Urban Fringe zoning districts.

    • Agriculture maximum lot coverage and impervious surface allowance is 15 percent.
    • Urban Fringe maximum lot coverage and impervious surface allowance is 25 percent.
    • Other districts may differ.

    Agriculture maximum lot coverage: 15 percent · Urban Fringe maximum lot coverage: 25 percent

    “Maximum Lot Coverage & Impervious Surface Allowance Fifteen (15%) percent”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — County zoning districts in unincorporated Morrison County
      “Maximum Lot Coverage & Impervious Surface Allowance Twenty Five (25%) percent”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Buildings in Agriculture and Urban Fringe zoning districts.

    • The ordinance states that non-residential agricultural structures are exempt from the Agriculture and Urban Fringe height restrictions.

    maximum building height: 35 feet (Non-residential agricultural structures are exempt.)

    “Maximum Building Height Thirty five (35’) feet. Non-residential agricultural structures are exempt from these height restrictions.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicles sited or occupied on parcels in Morrison County zoning districts.

    • A permit is required when an RV is located on a parcel for more than ten days in any year and occupied at the location at any time.
    • RVs are treated as structures and must meet district setbacks.
    • Lots of record meeting dimensional standards may have up to two RVs only if there are no dwelling units on the property.
    • The chart allows two RVs on vacant lots and no RVs on lots with a dwelling.
    • Sewage management and solid-waste disposal requirements apply.
    • The section does not apply to homeowners storing an RV on their property.
    • Shoreland zoning districts are regulated under Section 712/708.3.

    annual siting threshold: > 10 days (The rule states more than ten (10) days in any year and occupation at any time.) · maximum RVs on vacant lot: 2 vehicles (The lot must meet applicable dimensional standards.)

    “Recreational Vehicles sited located on a parcel for more than ten (10) days in any year and occupied at the location at any time must secure a permit for the vehicle from the County”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Recreational-vehicle use or occupancy on private property in unincorporated Morrison County
      “Recreational Vehicles must follow a sewage management plan in compliance with Section 1300 of this Ordinance.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Campgrounds, RV parks, and recreational-vehicle occupancy in county zoning districts.

    • Campgrounds, including RV parks, are conditional uses with performance standards in the Agriculture district.
    • Individual RV occupancy is subject to Section 1203.4 permit, setback, sanitation, and numerical limits.
    • The complete current ordinance should be consulted for district-specific campground rules.
    “Conditional Uses with Performance Standards (See Section 1200) Campground, including RV Park”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    A tiny home that qualifies as a Morrison County-defined park model and is placed on a lot in the county's unincorporated area for use as a dwelling unit.

    • Park models are permitted to be placed on lots and used as a dwelling unit.
    • Park models are subject to the Section 12-2 rules for manufactured homes, except the 320-square-foot minimum and conventional-roof requirements in Section 12-2.1(a) and (b).
    • Park models remain subject to other dwelling regulations, including lot-size requirements, setbacks, water supply, and sewage treatment.
    • A county permit is required for construction of any structure.
    “1. Park models are permitted to be placed on lots and used as a dwelling unit. 2. Park models shall be subject to the Section 12-2 rules for manufactured homes, except 12-2.1, "a" and "b." 3. Park models shall be subject to all other regulations in this ordinance that apply to dwellings, including lot size requirements, setbacks, water supply, and sewage treatment.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Placement and occupancy of manufactured homes in Morrison County.

    • The home must have at least 320 square feet of inside floor area.
    • It must have a conventional roof and roof line.
    • Water supply, sewage treatment, and other dwelling-unit standards apply.
    • A non-permanent foundation requires uniform enclosure and inspectable undercarriage connections.
    • A non-permanent-foundation home must be anchored or tied down according to manufacturer recommendations.

    minimum inside floor area: >= 320 square feet

    “The placement of a manufactured home in the County must meet the following standards:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Manufactured homes placed in unincorporated Morrison County
      “The placement of a manufactured home in the County must meet the following standards:”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Manufactured-home accessory dwelling units used as care facilities in AG, UF, or RR districts

    • The Planning & Zoning Administrator must find the conditions satisfied.
    • Occupants must be infirm and require extraordinary care that can only be provided without great economic hardship by family members in the principal dwelling.
    • A physician's written statement must establish the infirmity and need for care.
    • The use terminates when the care facility is no longer needed; the home must connect to water and an approved sewage system.
    • The home must be removed within thirty days when practical after medical necessity ends.
    “A manufactured home may be permitted as an accessory use on a lot in an AG, UF, or RR District if the Planning & Zoning Administrator finds the following conditions are satisfied:”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    SSTS regulation in Morrison County.

    • MPCA rules govern septic-system design, installation, and management.
    • Those rules are implemented and enforced through local ordinances by counties, cities, and townships.
    • Morrison County adopts the 2011 version of MN Rules Chapters 7080-7083.
    “Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) rules govern how septic systems are designed, installed, and managed. The rules are implemented and enforced through local ordinances by counties, cities, and townships (MPCA website, 2023). Morrison County adopts the 2011 (“Blue Book”) version of MN Rules Chapters 7080-7083.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of septic systems in unincorporated areas of Morrison County.

    • A Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Licensed Designer must conduct a site visit and determine what is appropriate for the property.
    • A design must be submitted to Morrison County before the applicant or contractor applies for the installation permit.
    • The installation permit must be obtained before installation can take place.
    • A Certified Employee from Morrison County inspects the system on the day of installation.
    • The inspection must be approved before the county keeps the record on file and issues a Certificate of Compliance.
    • Permit payment must be submitted with the application.
    • Applications can take 2 to 3 weeks to be approved.
    • The county states that a current Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Installation is required before applying for a permit to build or expand a dwelling, before applying for a permit to construct a commercial building or addition, and before applying for any structure permit on property zoned as Shoreland.
    • The county adopts the 2011 Blue Book version of Minnesota Rules Chapters 7080-7083; those rules are implemented and enforced through local ordinances by counties, cities, and townships.

    septic system permit fee: 250 USD (The fee schedule states this amount for a septic system permit including holding tanks; the schedule is effective 1/1/2026.)

    “Once a design has been submitted to our office, you or your contractor needs to apply for a permit to install before the installation can take place.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New septic systems in Morrison County's county-administered area.
      “Once a design has been submitted to our office, you or your contractor needs to apply for a permit to install before the installation can take place.”
    • Required — New septic-system installation in Morrison County
      “Once a design has been submitted to our office, you or your contractor needs to apply for a permit to install before the installation can take place.”
    • Required — Installation of new septic systems in Morrison County.
      “Once a design has been submitted to our office, you or your contractor needs to apply for a permit to install before the installation can take place.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    New septic system installation in Morrison County's county-administered area.

    • A Morrison County certified employee inspects the system on the day of installation.
    • If approved, the record is kept by the county and a Certificate of Compliance is sent to the owner.
    • A current Certificate of Compliance or Certificate of Installation is required before applying for a permit to build or expand a dwelling, before a commercial building or addition permit, and before a structure permit on shoreland-zoned property.
    • A Certificate of Compliance is valid for three years from inspection; a Certificate of Installation is valid for five years from installation.

    Certificate of Compliance validity: 3 years (from date of inspection) · Certificate of Installation validity: 5 years (from date of installation)

    “On the day of installation, a Certified Employee from Morrison County will inspect the system. Once the inspection is approved, the record will be kept on file with the County and you will be sent a Certificate of Compliance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New or replacement septic systems and specified septic-related permits.
      “On the day of installation, a Certified Employee from Morrison County will inspect the system. Once the inspection is approved, the record will be kept on file with the County and you will be sent a Certificate of Compliance.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in unincorporated Morrison County.

    • Land unsuitable because of flooding, drainage, soils, erosion, topography, water supply, sewage disposal, habitat, historic sites, or health and safety concerns may not be subdivided.
    • Four or more total tax parcels generally require a Minnesota Statute Chapter 505 plat, subject to the stated Public Land Survey exception.
    • Administrative plats require all listed conditions, including existing public road access and no additional building sites beyond existing zoning.

    Chapter 505 plat threshold: >= 4 total tax parcels (Except when tax parcels can be described by an aliquot part of the Public Land Survey.)

    “The creation of four or more total tax parcels except when the tax parcels created can be described by an aliquot part of the Public Land Survey.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivisions and parcel splits in unincorporated Morrison County.
      “Prior to recording a parcel split you must obtain a Certificate of Review from the Land Services Department”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Subdivision and development suitability where flooding affects proposed land use.

    • Land held unsuitable because of flooding may not be subdivided.
    • This source does not establish every floodplain construction-permit requirement.
    “No land shall be subdivided which is held unsuitable by the County for the proposed use because of flooding, inadequate drainage, soil and rock formations with severe limitations for development, severe erosion potential, unfavorable topography, inadequate water supply or sewage disposal capabilities”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Morrison County land-use, septic, shoreland and subdivision permits.

    • The fee schedule is effective January 1, 2026.
    • Fees include minimums, per-square-foot charges, additional per-lot charges, late fees and after-the-fact multipliers as stated in the schedule.
    • Online applications incur additional processing fees.

    dwelling unit or manufactured home fee: 0.3 USD per square foot ($100 minimum) · septic system permit fee: 250 USD (including holding tanks) · administrative plat fee: 600 USD (plus $15 per lot) · plat hearing fee: 1775 USD (plus $30 per lot)

    “MORRISON COUNTY PERMIT FEE SCHEDULE Effective 1/1/2026”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Morrison County land-use permit applications.

    • Applications may be mailed or dropped off, submitted in person, or submitted online.
    • Payment must be submitted with the application.
    • Applications can take 2 to 3 weeks to be approved.
    • The county lists the Land Use Permit Application, Fee Schedule and Setback Requirements as permit documents.

    typical approval time: 2 to 3 weeks

    “Please note: Payment must be submitted with application Applications can take 2 to 3 weeks to be approved.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County land-use permit applications
      “Permit applications can be submitted multiple ways. Please call us at 320-632-0170 with questions.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Morrison County permit applications.
      “Permit applications can be submitted multiple ways. Please call us at 320-632-0170 with questions. Please note: Payment must be submitted with application Applications can take 2 to 3 weeks to be approved.”

Minnesota rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, and use of buildings and other structures of the type governed by the Minnesota State Building Code throughout Minnesota.

    • The State Building Code supersedes the building code of any municipality.
    • The State Building Code does not apply to agricultural buildings except for the state inspections and rulemaking identified in Minnesota Statutes section 326B.121, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), clause (1), and the structural-support requirement for translucent panels or other skylights without raised curbs in clause (2).
    • The 2020 Minnesota State Building Code is effective March 31, 2020, except the Minnesota Mechanical Fuel Gas Code, which is effective April 6, 2020.
    • Municipal enforcement generally requires adoption by local ordinance, subject to statutory requirements for certain municipalities and statutory enforcement responsibilities where no adoption ordinance is in effect.
    • The 2024 Minnesota Commercial Energy Code is effective January 5, 2024.
    • Requirements for adult changing stations are effective August 15, 2025, and requirements for window-cleaning safety features are effective November 7, 2025, according to the Department of Labor and Industry update page.

    2020 Minnesota State Building Code effective date: 2020-03-31 (Minnesota Mechanical Fuel Gas Code effective 2020-04-06) · 2024 Minnesota Commercial Energy Code effective date: 2024-01-05 · Adult changing station supplement effective date: 2025-08-15 · Window-cleaning safety feature supplement effective date: 2025-11-07

    “(a) The State Building Code is the standard that applies statewide for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, and use of buildings and other structures of the type governed by the code.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Minnesota State Building Code as it relates to construction in Morrison County.
      “The 2020 Minnesota State Building Code is effective March 31, 2020, except for the Minnesota Mechanical Fuel Gas Code, which is effective April 6, 2020. It is the minimum construction standard throughout all of Minnesota. Although it is not enforceable by municipalities unless it is adopted by local ordinance, it creates a level playing field for the construction industry by establishing the Minnesota State Building Code as the standard for the construction of all buildings in the state.”
    • Adopted — Buildings and structures governed by the Minnesota State Building Code in Morrison County
      “The State Building Code is the standard that applies statewide for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, and use of buildings and other structures of the type governed by the code.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Minnesota State Building Code as the statewide minimum construction standard, including Morrison County.
      “The 2020 Minnesota State Building Code is effective March 31, 2020, except for the Minnesota Mechanical Fuel Gas Code, which is effective April 6, 2020.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction or work for which a Minnesota State Building Code permit is required.

    • The work must remain accessible and exposed until approved.
    • The permit applicant must cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection.
    • The building official identifies required inspections; the permit holder must maintain the inspection record card until final approval.
    • Work may not proceed beyond each successive inspection point without building-official approval; noncomplying portions must be corrected and may not be covered or concealed until authorized.
    “Construction or work for which a permit is required is subject to inspection by the building official”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Projects for which a Minnesota building permit is issued.
      “Answer: Yes. Some form of on-site compliance inspection is required whenever a building permit is issued.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Use or occupancy of buildings and structures, and changes in existing occupancy classification, in Minnesota jurisdictions administering and enforcing the State Building Code.

    • A building or structure may not be used or occupied, and an existing occupancy classification may not be changed, until the building official issues a certificate of occupancy under Minnesota Rules part 1300.0220.
    • The rule applies through the building official and therefore depends on the relevant jurisdiction administering and enforcing the State Building Code.
    • Issuance of a certificate of occupancy is not approval of a violation of the code or other municipal ordinances; a certificate purporting to authorize violation or cancellation of those requirements is invalid.
    • A municipality has the option of requiring certificates of occupancy for U occupancies constructed under the International Building Code, accessory structures constructed under the International Residential Code, and used manufactured homes moved into or within a jurisdiction.
    • Legal occupancy of a structure existing on the date of code adoption may continue without change.
    • A temporary certificate may be issued before all permitted work is complete if the occupied portion can be occupied safely; the building official sets its validity period.

    optional certificate category: U occupancies constructed under the International Building Code (municipality has the option of requiring a certificate) · optional certificate category: accessory structures constructed under the International Residential Code (municipality has the option of requiring a certificate) · optional certificate category: used manufactured homes moved into or within a jurisdiction (municipality has the option of requiring a certificate)

    “No building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building, structure, or portion of a building or structure shall be made until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy for the building or structure under this part.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Buildings and structures governed by the Minnesota State Building Code.
      “No building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building, structure, or portion of a building or structure shall be made until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy for the building or structure under this part.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Primitive dwellings using toilet-waste treatment devices in low dwelling-density areas, and privies governed by Minnesota SSTS rules.

    • Septage disposal by the owner must follow local ordinances.
    • If no local ordinance exists, septage must not be discharged to surface waters, drainageways, steeply sloping areas, or wet areas in a manner or volume harmful to the environment or public health or that creates a nuisance.
    • Material must be buried or covered with soil.
    • If site conditions do not meet the rule, solids disposal must be performed under the applicable rule by a licensed maintenance business.
    • Privy solids must be removed when the privy is filled to one-half capacity.
    • Abandoned pits must have sewage solids and contaminated soil removed and be filled with clean earth and slightly mounded.

    privy solids removal threshold: 50 percent capacity

    “For primitive dwellings using toilet waste treatment devices in low dwelling density areas, septage disposal from these devices by the owner must be in accordance with local ordinances. If no ordinance exists, the septage must not be discharged to surface waters, drainageways, steeply sloping areas, or wet areas in a manner or volume that is harmful to the environment or public health or that creates a nuisance. The material must be buried or covered with soil.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Construction of water-supply, dewatering, and environmental wells in Minnesota.

    • A well notification and applicable filing fee are generally required before construction; the statute describes notification rather than a general construction-permit requirement for these wells.
    • A drive-point water-supply well personally constructed by an individual on owned or leased property for farming, agricultural purposes, or the individual's place of abode must be reported within ten days after completion, and no notification fee may be charged.
    • The notification requirement preempts local permits and notifications unless the commissioner has delegated permitting or notification authority under section 103I.111.
    • If operation of the well requires a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources appropriation permit, specified information must be submitted to the commissioner of natural resources and construction may begin after preliminary approval.
    • A well that is not in use must be sealed or have a maintenance permit, subject to the statutory environmental/dewatering-well exception.

    drive-point well notification deadline: 10 days after completion (personally constructed by an individual on owned or leased property for farming, agricultural purposes, or the individual's place of abode) · unused well status: sealed or maintenance permit (environmental or dewatering wells not sealed by 14 months after completion require an annually renewed maintenance permit)

    “Except as provided in paragraph (d), a person may not construct a water-supply, dewatering, or environmental well until a notification of the proposed well on a form prescribed by the commissioner is filed with the commissioner with the filing fee in section 103I.208, and, when applicable, the person has met the requirements of paragraph (e).”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Agricultural buildings statewide that meet the definition in Minnesota Statutes § 326B.103, subdivision 3.

    • The structure must be on agricultural land as determined by the governing assessor for the municipality or county under section 273.13, subdivision 23.
    • The structure must be designed, constructed, and used to house farm implements, livestock, or agricultural products under section 273.13, subdivision 23.
    • The building must be used by the owner, lessee, and sublessee and members of their immediate families, employees, and persons engaged in pickup or delivery of agricultural products.
    • The State Building Code does not apply except with respect to state inspections required or rulemaking authorized by sections 103F.141, 216C.19, subdivision 9, and 326B.36.
    • Translucent panels or other skylights without raised curbs must be supported to have equivalent load-bearing capacity as the surrounding roof.
    “The State Building Code is the standard that applies statewide for the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, and use of buildings and other structures of the type governed by the code. [...] (c) The State Building Code does not apply to agricultural buildings except: (1) with respect to state inspections required or rulemaking authorized by sections 103F.141; 216C.19, subdivision 9; and 326B.36; and (2) translucent panels or other skylights without raised curbs shall be supported to have equivalent load-bearing capacity as the surrounding roof.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Agricultural buildings on agricultural land under Minnesota State Building Code guidance.
      “Answer: Agricultural buildings on agricultural land (as defined by state statute) are specifically exempt from the requirements of the SBC. A building permit is not required, nor may a building permit fee be charged.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Direct driveway connections to or from Minnesota state highways and work within MnDOT right-of-way.

    • A permit is required before constructing or modifying a direct driveway connection to or from a state highway.
    • The requirement covers agricultural, single-family residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, public, institutional, natural-resource, and multiple-family residential uses, and privately owned streets.
    • A new driveway, including a temporary driveway, requires a permit.
    • Modifying an existing driveway or changing its use or major traffic pattern may require a new permit.
    • The application should be submitted by the property owner; an agent, tenant, contractor, or developer must include written authorization from the owner.
    • This claim does not establish driveway-permit requirements for roads outside MnDOT jurisdiction.
    “A MnDOT Access Driveway Permit is required before a direct driveway connection to or from a state highway is constructed or modified.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Additional ingress to or egress from a public highway for property with a right of direct private access.
      “The owner or occupant of property abutting upon a public highway, having a right of direct private access thereto, may provide such other or additional means of ingress from and egress to the highway as will facilitate the efficient use of the property for a particular lawful purpose, subject to reasonable regulation by and permit from the road authority as is necessary to prevent interference with the construction, maintenance and safe use of the highway and its appurtenances and the public use thereof.”
    • Required — Changes in access to or from a MnDOT right-of-way, including driveway or other access points to a trunk highway, and changes in property use affecting such access.
      “An Access / Driveway Permit is required whenever there is a request for change in access to or from a Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) right-of-way or a change in use of the property.”
  • county zoning authorityLimited

    County planning and zoning authority over unincorporated areas of Minnesota.

    • The authority applies to a county having less than 300,000 population according to the 1950 federal census.
    • The statute authorizes county planning and zoning activities generally within the qualifying counties; it does not identify a separate unincorporated-area limitation in this section.
    • Except as otherwise provided, a county regardless of population must not enact, amend, or enforce an ordinance eliminating or terminating a lawful use by amortization.
    • The amortization prohibition does not apply to adults-only bookstores, adults-only theaters, or similar adults-only businesses as defined by ordinance.
    • The amortization subdivision does not prohibit nuisance-prevention or nuisance-abatement enforcement or elimination of a use determined to be a public nuisance without payment of compensation.

    population threshold: < 300000 persons (According to the 1950 federal census)

    “having less than 300,000 population according to the 1950 federal census is authorized to carry on county planning and zoning activities.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Minnesota counties may administer and enforce the State Building Code within their jurisdiction by ordinance; this includes a county's authority over residential construction in unincorporated county territory, subject to the statutory limits on code application and local provisions.

    • The statutory authorization is to administer and enforce the State Building Code, rather than a county-specific building code.
    • A county that is not already required by Minnesota Statutes § 326B.121, subdivision 2(a), to administer and enforce the code may elect to do so by ordinance.
    • The State Building Code applies statewide to construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, and use of buildings and structures governed by the code.
    • The State Building Code does not apply to agricultural buildings except for state inspections or rulemaking authorized by Minnesota Statutes §§ 103F.141, 216C.19, subdivision 9, and 326B.36, and except that translucent panels or other skylights without raised curbs must have equivalent load-bearing capacity as the surrounding roof.
    • A municipality may not require building-code provisions regulating structural components or systems that differ from the State Building Code; with state building official approval, it may adopt a more restrictive ordinance where geological conditions warrant it.
    • A municipality may enforce the State Building Code through lawful means, including contracts with other municipalities or qualified individuals; building-permit fees may be retained or remitted to reimburse them.
    “If a municipality is not required by paragraph (a) to administer and enforce the State Building Code, the municipality may choose to administer and enforce the State Building Code within its jurisdiction by adopting the code by ordinance.”

Set by your town or city, not the county

In Minnesota, zoning is adopted by each town or city, so Morrison County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your town or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.

  • Short-term rentals

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Local zoning — Municipal, township, and other incorporated-area zoning within Morrison County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer connection requirements for private development in unincorporated Morrison County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Morrison County, Minnesota

Is Morrison County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Morrison County scores 70/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 4,859 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost.

Do you need a building permit in Morrison County, Minnesota?

Morrison County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Morrison County Land Services (Planning & Zoning). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Morrison County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Morrison County is limited to specific cases: Recreational vehicles sited or occupied on parcels in Morrison County zoning districts. A permit is required when an RV is located on a parcel for more than ten days in any year and occupied at the location at any time. RVs are treated as structures and must meet district setbacks. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Morrison County, Minnesota?

Land in Morrison County runs about $3,889 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Morrison County?

Morrison County gets about 29.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.3% of years.

How remote is Morrison County?

A representative private-land location has about 4,859 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,587,721 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Morrison compares in Minnesota

Compare side-by-side →See all 87 Minnesota counties ranked →